The Press Box.

Adubato Is Latest Male Wnba Coach

December 10, 1998|By Mark Shapiro.

NEW YORK — Richie Adubato, who has spent 19 years in the NBA and coached three of its teams, was named coach of the WNBA's New York Liberty.

He is the fifth male coach hired in the 12-team league. The WNBA, which had seven of its eight teams coached by women in the inaugural season, has hired male coaches to fill four of its last five openings.

Adubato, 61, who compiled a 127-240 record as head coach of Detroit, Dallas and Orlando of the NBA, was a consultant for the Boston Celtics last season.

Adubato signed a multiyear contract. He replaces Nancy Darsch, who was fired in September after the Liberty (18-12) just missed the playoffs.